Long-time NHS worker Angela Bannister was given a top job as work on a new hospital reached an important milestone.

The occupational therapist, who has worked at Sedgefield Community Hospital for more than 30 years, was asked to lay the final ridge tile on the new building.

"It was wonderful to be asked to perform this task before I retire.

"Here I am laying the last roof tile and in a few months we will have our new hospital," said Angela.

She said although she was sorry to be leaving before the new facility was up and running she was "really pleased" colleagues and patients would reap the benefits.

Work on the hospital started in July 2001 when Prime Minister Tony Blair cut the first turf. It should be completed by July this year.

The new 42-bed hospital, being built on the outskirts of the village, replaces the old "hutted" wards which date back to the Second World War, said a spokeswoman for South Durham Health Care NHS Trust.

"The topping out ceremony signifies that the building's external structure is now watertight and enables the internal works such as walls, ceilings and engineering services to be installed," she added.

The new hospital will bring a wealth of new services to patients including an extended x-ray department and an ultrasound service.

Other new services will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics.

The hospital has been built under the Government's Private Finance Initiative.

South Durham Health Care NHS Trust is joined in the venture by Normanby Healthcare Projects - a consortium consisting of Clugston and The Royal Bank of Scotland.